Air-activated heated travel pillows and travel blankets

ABSTRACT

A heated U-shaped travel neck pillow includes two leg portions. A base therebetween the two leg portions forms a U-shaped pillow body to receive and support a neck of a user. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow also includes an inner radial portion of the U-shaped pillow body. In use, the inner radial portion is adjacent to the neck of the user. At least one pocket or pouch is formed on the inner radial portion of the U-shaped pillow body. Each of the at least one pocket houses a heat pack to provide a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat transfer to the user and to create a built-in heat zone on the inner radial portion of the heated U-shaped travel neck pillow.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/508,628, AIR-ACTIVATED HEATED TRAVEL PILLOWS AND TRAVELBLANKETS, filed Oct. 7, 2014, and also claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/951,182, filed on Mar. 11, 2014and entitled “Air-Activated Heated Travel Pillows and Travel Blankets,”the contents of both of which applications are included in theirentirety by reference herein.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to travel and comfort items, andmore particularly to incorporation of heat packs into travel and comfortproducts and the like.

BACKGROUND

Disposable heat packs, such as air-activated heat packs safe for airtravel, have not been implemented into various travel and comfort items,such as a travel neck pillow, a travel lumbar pillow, a travel-sizedblanket, and the like, to provide air travelers with soothing heat.Other methods of heat, such as via USB power, battery power, electricpower, silica gel, instant chemical reactions (e.g., MREs and namelessheaters), microwavable materials, hot water bottles, etc., areinefficient, require heavy power consumption, are infeasible, and/or arenot allowed on various forms of transportation, such as airplanes, dueto hazardous or dangerous ingredients. Therefore, there is a need to beable to provide users with heating capable items that are both safe andefficient.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a heated U-shaped travel neck pillow includestwo leg portions. A base therebetween the two leg portions forms aU-shaped pillow body to receive and support a neck of a user. The heatedU-shaped travel neck pillow also includes an inner radial portion of theU-shaped pillow body. In use, the inner radial portion is adjacent tothe neck of the user. At least one pocket or pouch is formed on theinner radial portion of the U-shaped pillow body. Each of the at leastone pocket houses a heat pack to provide a sustained, targeted, andcontrolled heat transfer to the user and to create a built-in heat zoneon the inner radial portion of the heated U-shaped travel neck pillow.

In one embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillow includes asoft, plush material on three sides and a flexible spandex bottom and aplurality of internal micro-beads that shape to and support the neck ofa user.

In another embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillow includescomposition of about 94% Polyester and about 6% Spandex.

In yet another embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillowincludes a heated travel memory foam neck pillow with a supportivememory foam core and a plurality of soft, plush material outer surfacesides.

In yet another embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillowincludes a composition of about 99% Polyester, 1% Spandex and a fillingof about 100% Polyurethane Foam.

In yet another embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillowincludes at least one sewn-in pocket or pouch.

In yet another embodiment, the heated U-shaped travel neck pillowincludes at least one glued on pocket or pouch.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one pocket or pouch fastens atone or more open ends by a hook and eye velcro like closure.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one pocket or pouch fastens atone or more open ends by a zipper.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one pocket or pouch fastens atone or more open ends by a spandex elastic closure.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one pocket or pouch fastens atone or more open ends by snaps or buttons.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket includes a permeable/breathablematerial.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket includes a flexible or stretchablematerial.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket includes a spandex material whichprovides a superior contact with the user, while allowing for an optimalamount of heat to permeate from the pocket to the user to optimizewarmth and to provide a substantially optimal air flow due to apermeability of the pocket.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket create a heat zone of about 3″×5″.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket is sized to accept a heat packwith length and width dimensions of about 2.75″ H×4.50″.

In yet another embodiment, the pocket is sized to provide a sufficientbreathing room and tautness for maximum permeability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are bestunderstood from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodimentsthat are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed.Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a U-shaped travelneck pillow, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a travel pillow,according to embodiments provided herein; and

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate incorporation of a heat pack in a travel-sizedblanket, according to various embodiments provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the incorporation of heatpacks into various travel and comfort items, such as pillows, blankets,and the like. By placing a heat pack into a designated pocket or pouchwithin the item, a user is provided with soothing, targeted, andcontrolled heat in a consistent, convenient, and comfortableapplication.

Heat packs, also known as body warmers, heat pads, warmers, heatingpads, heating packs, hand warmers, foot warmers, toe warmers, pack heat,oxygen-activated heat packs, and/or air-activated chemical warmingdevices, are known to aid users in keeping parts of the body warm incold weather environments as well as in heat therapy applications.Depending upon the chemical composition of the heat pack, a sustained,controlled heat can be generated for a period of up to 18 hours at amaximum temperature of 131-170 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments,a heat pack may be disposable. In some embodiments, a heat pack may besafe for air travel. This feature allows embodiments of the presentinvention to meet recent increased security measures for air travel, forexample.

In one embodiment, the disposable heat pack may comprise a soft,lightweight, air-permeable pouch. In one embodiment, one side of theheat pack is air-permeable to more efficiently provide and optimallydirect the targeted heat to a user.

The contents of the heat pack may include, but are not limited to, amixture of iron powder, sawdust, activated carbon, salt, and water.Other ingredients may include cellulose and vermiculite. A summary ofexemplary ingredients and their role in the chemical reaction isprovided below:

Iron Powder—Iron is an active ingredient in the heat pack. When the ironcombines with oxygen and the other ingredients in the pack, it starts torust at an accelerated rate. The rusting process is what gives off theheat that warms the heat pack.

Sawdust—Sawdust is used to retain and release moisture in the heat pack,which in turns aids in the dispersion of the heat from the oxidationreaction.

Activated Carbon—Activated carbon may be added to heat packs because ithelps absorb the oxygen. It also prevents external odors becauseunpleasant smelling chemicals released during the oxidation processstick to it.

Water—Water adds to the reaction within the heat pack as it helpsdisperse the created heat.

Salt—Salt may be used to accelerate the oxidation process, causing theiron to rust more quickly and generate more heat.

Optional Ingredients—Vermiculite may be added and used as an insulator;it helps the heat pack retain its heat. Vermiculite also absorbs excessmoisture. Cellulose may be added as a filler. It holds and releasesmoisture as well.

In one embodiment, a heat pack uses a specific formulation of ironpowder, water, salt, activated carbon, and vermiculite filled to apredetermined maximum weight given their size to provide a quick ramp-uptemperature in a comfort temperature zone (55-63 degrees Celsius), andto also provide maintenance of this temperature once reached through anelapsed time of eight hours after initial activation. This composition,based on proportion, size, weight, and heat pack materials, provides asteady heat once the temperature is obtained.

When the heat pack is removed from airtight packaging and exposed to theair, an exothermic oxidation reaction activates, generating controlledand sustained heat from the pouch. Once the iron powder within the heatpack completely oxidizes and the heat pack cools, the pouch will nolonger generate heat. For this reason, the heat pack is single use anddisposable.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate incorporation of a heat zone in a U-shaped travelneck pillow 100, according to embodiments provided herein.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a heated travelneck pillow 100 comprises a U-shaped pillow having with two leg portions110, 112 and a base 114 therebetween, forming a U-shaped pillow bodyconfigured to receive and support a neck of a user. The heated travelneck pillow 100 also includes one or more pockets 120 formed on an innerradial portion of the U-shaped pillow body, where the inner radialportion is a portion at least partially adjacent to the neck of the userwhen in use (see close-up view in FIG. 1D). The one or more pockets 120are each configured to contain (via an opening or insert 125) arespective heat pack 130 for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heattransfer to the user (see FIG. 1E); and the one or more pockets 120comprise a built-in heat zone on the inner radial surface of the heatedtravel neck pillow 100. Features of the pocket 120, the opening orinsert 125, and the heat pack 130 are described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the pillow 100 comprises a U-shaped pillow having thebuilt-in heat zone on the inner middle surface (on the base 114) and theinner side surfaces (on leg portion 110 and/or 112) of the U-shapedpillow.

In some embodiments (see FIG. 1A), the pillow features a soft, plushmaterial on three sides and a flexible spandex bottom so internalmicro-beads can shape to and support the neck of a user. In oneembodiment, the material of the heated travel pillow comprises thefollowing composition: Outer Shell: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex; andFilling: 100%

Polystyrene Foam Beads.

In some embodiments (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), the heated travel neck pillow100 is comprised of a supportive memory foam core and a soft, plushmaterial on all sides (i.e., a heated travel memory foam neck pillow).In one embodiment, the material of the heated travel memory foam pillowcomprises the following composition: Outer Shell: 99% Polyester, 1%Spandex; and Filling: 100% Polyurethane Foam.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate incorporation of a heat zone in a travel pillow,according to embodiments provided herein.

In one embodiment, a heated travel pillow 200 is used to support auser's back, such as a lumbar region of the user's back. In anotherembodiment, the heated travel pillow 200 is used to support a user'sneck. In other embodiments, the heated travel pillow 200 can be used inother regions desirable for the user, such as an upper region of theuser's back. The heated travel pillow 200 may feature a soft, velvetyplush on three sides and a flexible spandex bottom, allowing internalmicro-beads to shape to the user. The heated travel pillow 200 includesone or more pockets 220 formed on a contact portion 210 of the pillow200, where the contact portion 210 is a portion at least partiallyadjacent to the user when in use. The one or more pockets 220 are eachconfigured to contain (via an opening or insert 225) a respective heatpack for a sustained, targeted, and controlled heat transfer to theuser; and the one or more pockets 220 with the heat pack comprise abuilt-in heat zone on the contact portion 210 of the heated travelpillow 200. Features of the pocket 220, the opening or insert 225, andthe heat pack are described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the material of the heated travel pillow comprisesthe following composition: Outer Shell: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex; andFilling: 100% Polystyrene Foam Beads.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate incorporation of heat zones in a travel-sizedblanket, according to various embodiments provided herein.

In one embodiment, a heated travel-sized blanket 300 has one or morebuilt-in heat zones to keep feet warm. In another embodiment, the heatzone portions may be used to warm a user's neck and/or chest. The heatzone may be comprised of one or more pockets 320 a, 320 b at a bottomportion of a side 310 of the blanket 300 to correspond with a positionof a user's feet, for example (see FIG. 3A). This allows for the user toplace the balls of their feet on each of the heat zones and then wrapblanket around them to stay warm.

In another embodiment, a large foot pouch 325 is provided with one ormore heat zones within the pouch to keep feet warm (see FIGS. 3B, 3C,and 3D). In this embodiment, one side of the blanket may be folded overto create the pouch 325, and separate inner pockets 320 a, 320 b areconfigured to hold the heat packs. One or more fasteners 330, 335 may beprovided to secure the pouch 325, allowing for the user to insert his orher feet into the pouch 325 near or on the pockets 320 a, 32 b, and thenclose the pouch 325.

In one embodiment, the heated travel blanket is comprised of 98%Polyester, 2% Spandex.

According to embodiments, the entire item (e.g., heated travel neckpillow 100, heated travel pillow 200, heated travel-sized blanket 300)in which the heat pack is incorporated is not heated. For example, inthe case of a heated U-shaped travel neck pillow (e.g., the heatedtravel neck pillow 100), a designated ‘heat zone’ comprises an area thatcomes into contact with the back of the user's neck. This ‘heat zone’may feature a sewn-in, or otherwise attached (e.g., glued on), pocket orpouch (e.g., pocket 120), which may be fastened at one or more open ends125 by Velcro, zipper, spandex, elastic, snaps, buttons, or the like.The user activates the heat pack 130 by exposing it to air, and thenplaces it within the pocket 120 on the item. The activated heat pack 130warms the ‘heat zone’ to provide soothing heat for a sustained period oftime in a targeted area during the user's trip, when relaxing at home,or whenever used by the user.

In one embodiment, the pocket (e.g., the pocket 120, 220, 320 a, 320 b)is comprised of a lightweight material. In one embodiment, the pocket isa permeable/breathable material. In one embodiment, the pocket is aflexible material. In another embodiment, the pocket is a stretchablematerial. In one embodiment, the pocket is comprised of a spandexmaterial or the like that is lightweight, permeable, breathable,flexible, and stretchable. These properties of the material (e.g.,spandex) provide superior contact with the user, while allowing for anoptimal amount of heat to permeate from the pocket to the user tooptimize warmth. Moreover, an optimal air flow is achieved due to thepermeability of the pocket.

The geometry of the pocket is such that the heat pack fits within whilehaving sufficient breathing room and tautness to allow for maximumpermeability. Thus, the material of the pocket and the geometry of thepocket provide a ‘heat zone’ with a sustained, targeted, and controlledheat transfer to a specific area of the user's body.

In another embodiment, vertical and/or horizontal ribbing may beprovided within the pocket to enhance air flow and in particular enhancetwo-way air flow. The ribbing may be provided in one or more portions ofthe pocket and on one or both internal sides of the pocket.

Use of a flexible and/or stretchable material allows for ease ofinsertion of a new heat pack, ease of removal of an exhausted heat pack,support to keep the activated heat pack in place to target the generatedheat, and transfer the heat generated to an area on the user's bodyproviding sustained, controlled warmth. The flexible/stretchablematerial may be expanded by, for example, a user's hand to allow foreasy insertion of the heat pack, may return to its original shape orposition to help hold the heat pack in place during use, and then expandagain to facilitate removal of the exhausted heat pack.

As the heat packs are generally designed to be single use anddisposable, the heat pack is easily removed from the item's ‘heat zone’pocket, so a new one can replace an exhausted pack at a later time, suchas the return leg of the user's trip. With this in mind, for salesconsiderations, the item may be bundled with two or more heat packs forthe customer to use. Refill packs may also be merchandised as a separatecomplementary item.

In one embodiment, the built-in heat zone comprises a pocket with a heatpack disposed therein. In one embodiment, the built-in heat zonecomprises one or more pockets with one or more heat packs disposedwithin each of the one or more pockets. In another embodiment, thebuilt-in heat zone comprises a plurality of pockets with one or moreheat packs disposed within each pocket.

In one embodiment, the heat packs are sized and shaped to fit within a3″×5″ heat zone (e.g., pocket) without bunching or folding; in thisparticular embodiment, the size of the heat pack is 2.75″ H×4.50″ W. Inanother embodiment, the heat pack is roughly 2.75″ H×3.75″ W, with thepocket accordingly sized to receive and contain the heat pack. In otherembodiments, if other sized heat packs are utilized, the pocket is sizedwith a specific alignment and geometry to the heat pack to provide forsufficient breathing room and tautness for maximum permeability.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be madeto the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of theinvention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims beconstrued to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the application ofvarious embodiments is not limited to travel items and can also beapplied to any number of items that provide comfort/relaxation in thehome, during travel, and the like.

We claim:
 1. A heated U-shaped travel neck pillow comprising: two legportions; a base therebetween said two leg portions forming a U-shapedpillow body to receive and support a neck of a user; an inner radialportion of the U-shaped pillow body, said inner radial portion adjacentto the neck of the user when in use; and at least one pocket or pouchformed on said inner radial portion of the U-shaped pillow body, each ofsaid at least one pocket to house a heat pack to provide a sustained,targeted, and controlled heat transfer to the user and to create abuilt-in heat zone on said inner radial portion of the heated U-shapedtravel neck pillow.
 2. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim1, wherein said heated U-shaped travel neck pillow comprises a soft,plush material on three sides and a flexible spandex bottom and aplurality of internal micro-beads that shape to and support the neck ofa user.
 3. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 2, whereinsaid heated U-shaped travel neck pillow comprises composition of about94% Polyester and about 6% Spandex.
 4. The heated U-shaped travel neckpillow of claim 1, wherein said heated U-shaped travel neck pillowcomprises a heated travel memory foam neck pillow with a supportivememory foam core and a plurality of soft, plush material outer surfacesides.
 5. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 4, whereinsaid heated U-shaped travel neck pillow comprises composition of about99% Polyester, 1% Spandex and a filling of about 100% Polyurethane Foam.6. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 1, comprising atleast one sewn-in pocket or pouch.
 7. The heated U-shaped travel neckpillow of claim 1, comprising at least one glued on pocket or pouch. 8.The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 1, wherein said at leastone pocket or pouch fastens at one or more open ends by a hook and eyevelcro like closure.
 9. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim1, wherein said at least one pocket or pouch fastens at one or more openends by a zipper.
 10. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 1,wherein said at least one pocket or pouch fastens at one or more openends by a spandex elastic closure.
 11. The heated U-shaped travel neckpillow of claim 1, wherein said at least one pocket or pouch fastens atone or more open ends by snaps or buttons.
 12. The heated U-shapedtravel neck pillow of claim 1, wherein said pocket comprises apermeable/breathable material.
 13. The heated U-shaped travel neckpillow of claim 1, wherein said pocket comprises a flexible orstretchable material.
 14. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow ofclaim 1, wherein said pocket comprises a spandex material which providesa superior contact with the user, while allowing for an optimal amountof heat to permeate from the pocket to the user to optimize warmth andto provide a substantially optimal air flow due to a permeability of thepocket.
 15. The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 1, whereinsaid pocket create a heat zone of about 3″×5″.
 16. The heated U-shapedtravel neck pillow of claim 1, wherein said pocket is sized to accept aheat pack with length and width dimensions of about 2.75″ H×4.50″. 17.The heated U-shaped travel neck pillow of claim 1, wherein said pocketis sized to provide a sufficient breathing room and tautness for maximumpermeability.